Flea Bite Treatment for Dogs

Flea bite treatment can be performed by employing traditional medications and ointments, but there are also a few home remedies that can be helpful. Flea bites can be a source of great discomfort, and the bites can become swollen. Some dogs will also develop an allergic reaction to the bites, which is due to an intolerance to the proteins in the flea saliva. The flea bite treatment will depend on the severity of the reaction to the bite.

Keep the Area Clean

Before you apply any solutions on the flea bites, it's important to wash the area with an antibacterial soap and pat the skin dry with a clean towel. This will ensure that when massaging the creams into the skin, other debris and impurities won't be present to cause additional irritation. Wash the areas with flea bites whenever you need to apply topical treatment.

Hydrocortisone Cream

Most commonly, vets will prescribe a hydrocortisone cream for flea bites. The hydrocortisone cream will have a soothing effect on the pet's skin, relieve itchiness and reduce the swelling. The ointment should be applied twice per day and massaged into the skin, so that it will be effective.

Applying hydrocortisone cream will prevent complications that may arise as a result of the flea bites:

Scratching the flea bites

Open wounds due to scratching

Infections

Scars

Oral Antihistamines

If the dog develops an allergic reaction to the flea bites and develops severe swelling in the bite area, he will also have to receive some meds. Most commonly, the vet will prescribe an oral antihistamine such as Benadryl or Chlor Trimeton, which will be effective in reducing the swelling and eliminate other possible symptoms of allergies to the substances in the flea saliva.

Your dog may have a few side effects after taking these meds, so pay attention to any adverse reactions. Most frequently, dogs develop drowsiness and nausea when taking oral antihistamines.

Oral Hydrocortisone

Oral hydrocortisone will only be prescribed if the allergic reaction is uncontrollable with other methods. The oral hydrocortisone will inhibit the immune system of the pet, leading to fewer allergic reactions to the flea bites.

Home Remedies

Flea bites may be treated at home. You will need a few ingredients such as:

Apple cider vinegar, which can be used diluted in water and sprayed over the bites. Don't apply on open wounds.

Lemon peel, which should be added to boiled water and left overnight. The solution can be applied on the dog's skin.

Baking powder, which should be added to water and applied on the flea bites.

It is also important to get rid of the fleas on the dog and from the dog's surroundings, to make sure that the bites won't be recurrent. Consult your vet to recommend a few topical solutions that you may use on the dog's skin to eliminate the fleas. Make sure you also treat the dog's environment, to eliminate the flea larvae that may be left.